Your Questions

Q

Just wanted to know if the BURNING LAND will be released in Canada on the same date as the UK, the U.S. or a completely different date? Anyway, I'm a huge fan and cannot wait to see what kind of hooliganism ole Uhtred and his gang are up too. Thank you for making the world a better place. Tally-ho.

Michael Blair

Submitted May 13, 2009

A

The books generally release in Canada at the same time as the UK release so you should see The Burning Land in October of this year. Hope you'll enjoy it!

Q

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I love all your books. I am halfway through the Sharpe series and there is no better feeling than picking up a new Sharpe book. You are one of my favorite authors right next to James Clavell, and I was wondering if you have read any of his work (Shogun, Tai-Pan, etc.). And if so what your impressions were. Also, how about a very old Sharpe meeting a very young Flashman? I know the odds are not good for that to happen, but you never know. Joe

Submitted May 13, 2009

A

I have read and enjoyed Mr. Clavell's books.

I really doubt it! Nice idea, but the copyright problems would be hell.

Q

I really enjoy your Sharpe novels and have read them all at least twice. I am however curious about the 'tea' which the British soldier invariably had in his pouch. I understand that Indian tea didn't arrive in the UK until 1837 and I can't imagine soldiers drinking Chinese tea. Anyway both would have been far too expensive. So I wonder if you can suggest what the 'tea' would likely have been please. Best regards Roy Ford

Submitted May 13, 2009

A

Almost certainly Indian - it was being imported as far back as the 17th Century and by the end of the 18th Century it was a vast trade between India and Britain. Some would have come from China, but tea was probably the largest cargo carried by the immensely powerful East India Company and, because it was imported in bulk, it had become remarkably cheap. Not sure where you got 1837 from, but believe me it was being imported from India long before that.

Q

Mr Cornwell I have recently chosen my dissertation for my degree and have selected to do it on "The Role of British Light Infantry in the Napoleonic Wars: Their Tactics and Training" I was wondering if you could suggest any books that I should use in my research for it. I already have: "Rifles" Mark Urban "Peninsular War" Charles Esdaile "Redcoat" Richard Holmes "Tactics and the Experience of Battle in the Age of Napoleon" Rory Muir "Recollections of Rifleman Harris" Rifleman Harris (funny that isn't it!) "Sharpe" "A Desperate Business" Ian Fletcher "Britain and the Defeat of Napoleon" Rory Muir Are there any others that you could recommend for me please? I know this is an unusual request but would be forever grateful for any recommendation made by you. I am, and remain a huge fan of Sharpe and Starbuck and await your response with great excitement. Yours Adam Barnes

Submitted May 13, 2009

A

You should certainly read Kincaid's memoirs, also Surtee's - and Costello's - all good stuff - look for more in Mark Urban's notes (don't think he prints a bibliography). One book I'd look for is Col J.F.G. Fuller's 'Sir John Moore's System of Training' - it was published in 1924 and describes the genesis of the Napoleonic Light Infantry

Q

First I want to thank you. Your books are great. I especially enjoy the Saxon Stories. I noticed the new one The Burning Land is coming out this year. But it looks like only in the UK. Is this correct? Is there a big difference in the US and UK version? I am a High School History teacher, I believe the reason your books are so awesome is the historical relevance. I also love the historical note and the end. I am reading Agincourt at the moment, incredible of course. Do you ever make it down to Texas to do book signings? I looked at your Dairy but it did not say anything. I also thought I would let you know that I have a German Shepherd named Uhtred. Thank You for your time Ed Lee

Submitted May 13, 2009

A

The Burning Land will be released in the UK in October of this year. It will be released in the US in January 2010. There is no difference in the UK and US versions except - usually - the covers.

I do not have any plans to be in Texas this year, but maybe in the future? I imagine your dog, Uhtred, is not very well behaved?

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I am an avid reader of your world famous Sharpe series, and I am wondering if you have anything new in store for everyone's favorite Rifle officer? I am also inquiring if Sean Bean will be reappearing in any other Sharpe films, the India trilogy perhaps? if you can find out anything I would be grateful because I am hoping to get a part in an instalment of the Sharpe television series I find that you are a brilliant author, and I will forever be a fan of your works. Alex

Submitted May 8, 2009

A

I don't plan to start a new Sharpe book this year...

I believe 'Sharpe's Challenge' is (loosely) based on the India trilogy. Haven't heard any plans for another film just yet.

Q

Bernard, can you please tell me when Agincourt will be coming out in paperback?

Bill

Submitted May 8, 2009

A

The US release of Agincourt, in paperback, is scheduled for January 2010.

Q

Nick Hook needs some more books; any idea if you will write any more? I really enjoyed it, thanks.
James

Submitted May 8, 2009

A

It's possible - but no promises!

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I would like to know if you will be visiting the UK anytime soon? Maybe with the release of the next Saxon book. I enjoyed your visit to Ely recently, although quite embarrassingly I had to get up half way through to pee! I've been collecting your books for a few years now, but I feel rude turning up at your events with more than a hand full of books to be signed. As their are so many to collect now and your visits to the UK a little infrequent I fear I'll never finish my collection! Many thanks. Aaron.

Submitted May 8, 2009

A

I suspect I will be in the UK for the release of The Burning Land in October of this year. Details will be posted to the Diary page when they become available.

Q

Bernard, I'm a big fan of yours... and out of the two thousand or so books I've read, you are probably my most consumed author. You even inspired me to write a book! One question though... are you aware of some of the continuation errors in the Sharpe books. For example, Sharpe's Trafalgar being apparently Sharpe's first experience of fighting at sea, yet later on in another novel him experiencing it for the first time apparently. Just petty things like that... do you think it's important? Best regards- you are a great writer. Mark Howitt

Submitted May 8, 2009

A

I am well aware of the inconsistencies! In one book I say that Sharpe and Hakeswill were together in the breach at Gawilghur and I knew that perfectly well when I wrote Sharpe's Fortress, but the story simply wouldn't work if they were, so I ignored the earlier book reference and wrote what, to me, was the better story. I suspect this is slightly frustrating for some readers, and it can be very frustrating for me, but there it is. Alas, if only I had my own reference guide, but the Sharpe books emerge from a mind as disordered as my office . . . .